Percocet is a branded oxycodone/acetaminophen medication prescribed for the short-term relief of moderate to severe pain.
There are two active ingredients in Percocet:
- Oxycodone (a potent opioid painkiller).
- Acetaminophen (a non-opioid OTC pain reliever).
Although Percocet is highly effective for relieving pain in the short term, the opioid content of this medication means it also has a high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction. If you become physically dependent on this opioid-based painkiller, you will experience extremely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms of Percocet in its absence. This can occur even when the medication is used as prescribed for pain relief.
In addition to alleviating pain, opioids also trigger a euphoric high, which has led many people to abuse opioids like Percocet for recreational purposes.
Percocet is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has medical utility but also a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Today’s guide outlines what to expect from the Percocet withdrawal process, highlights symptoms of Percocet withdrawal, and shows you how to begin your recovery from opioid addiction.
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Percocet Withdrawal
When you take opioids like Percocet, the drug primarily works on mu-opioid receptors in the brain. The long-term use of opioids causes these receptors to become overstimulated. The brain starts to compensate, and the body tries to restore balance (homeostasis) by developing tolerance, which can then lead to withdrawal from Percocet once chemical dependency sets in.
If you suddenly stop taking Percocet, your brain will not have the time to adjust to the absence of the opioids, and intensely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms will develop in response.
If you have been taking Percocet or any other medication containing oxycodone, a tapered reduction in dosage can ease the intensity of the withdrawal process.
Most people find that the safest and most comfortable approach to Percocet withdrawal involves a supervised medical detox.
Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms
Percocet withdrawal symptoms are a physical and emotional response to the absence of a substance to which you have become accustomed.
Percocet withdrawal can manifest in both physical and psychological symptoms. Percocet includes physical issues like nausea and vomiting, as well as psychological complications, including anxiety.
Here is a list of the most reported physical Percocet withdrawal symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Teary eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive sweating
- Hot flashes
- Tremors
- Cramps
- Aches
- Muscle spasms
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure levels
Most frequent psychological Percocet withdrawal symptoms:
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Hyperactivity
- Inability to focus
- Paranoia
If you experience withdrawal symptoms and are unable to manage them effectively, contact your primary care physician for guidance.
Now that we’ve covered Percocet withdrawal symptoms let’s look at how long withdrawal lasts.
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Percocet Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal symptoms from Percocet may present four hours from the last dose due to the short half-life of this medication. Those who have been taking Percocet for extended periods may experience a delayed presentation of withdrawal symptoms.
Most people detoxing from Percocet find that the process takes at least one week. Those who have been using Percocet chronically may find that withdrawal is more protracted, potentially lasting for three or four weeks.
The severity of Percocet withdrawal symptoms, the onset of symptoms, and the duration of withdrawal hinge on many factors, such as:
- Duration of Percocet abuse
- Amount of Percocet being abused
- Route of administration
- Any concurrent substance abuse
While all addictions are unique, and everyone will have a different experience of Percocet withdrawal, this is a typical timeline:
- Days 1 to 3 of Percocet withdrawal: A single dose of Percocet has an elimination half-life of just four hours, triggering the rapid onset of opioid withdrawal when you discontinue use. Withdrawal symptoms are liable to peak in intensity and severity during the first day of detox. Symptoms such as physical pain, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and depression make it challenging to detox at home without relapsing to relieve discomfort.
- Days 4 to 7 of Percocet withdrawal: Physical symptoms like chills, cramps, and insomnia may persist until the end of the first week of detox. You may still experience powerful cravings for Percocet. The development of healthy coping mechanisms during ongoing treatment will help you to deal with cravings and stressors.
- Week 2 of Percocet withdrawal: During the second week, acute withdrawal symptoms should subside. As your body finds its equilibrium, you can engage with an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
- Weeks 3 to 4 of Percocet withdrawal: For those who have been abusing opioids long-term, withdrawal may continue into weeks three and four. Seek professional assistance to streamline your ongoing recovery.
How Severe Is Percocet Withdrawal?
Percocet contains the opioid oxycodone, which can cause intensely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, often resembling the flu and accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Fortunately, Percocet withdrawal does not typically trigger life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. However, the intensity and severity of symptoms exacerbate the challenge of detoxing without medical supervision. Many people who attempt to detox at home are tempted to use Percocet simply to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This temptation is removed when you detox in a controlled clinical environment. Additionally, other resources (both clinical and holistic) are available to relieve withdrawal symptoms, which can increase your chances of a successful long-term recovery.
How Is Percocet Withdrawal Treated?
Detoxification is a natural bodily process that expels the toxins and toxic by-products of drug abuse. Those who have developed a physical dependence on Percocet will find withdrawal uncomfortable and painful.
The most common withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid detox are sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. All of these reactions expel Percocet from the body but, at the same time, cause dehydration and nutrient deficiency.
Some people refer to the symptoms experienced during opioid detox as opioid withdrawal syndrome. These symptoms can be both physically and emotionally challenging, making it difficult to detox without professional support. To manage opioid withdrawal syndrome effectively, prescription medications (like methadone) may be used as part of a medical detox. These medications not only alleviate discomfort but also reduce cravings, helping you navigate this critical phase of recovery safely.
During a supervised medical Percocet detox, a treatment team will ensure you are hydrated and maintain nutrient and electrolyte levels. Medications can be administered to address withdrawal symptoms and cravings for Percocet.
Some medications can also closely replicate the effects of Percocet in the brain, reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms. These medications include:
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
- Buprenorphine
- Clonidine
While detox is a vital stage of recovery, it is only a pathway to ongoing recovery rather than a cure for opioid addiction. Once you are detoxed, you will be physically prepared to deal with the psychological aspect of Percocet addiction. We can help you with detox and ongoing treatment here at Gratitude Lodge.
Percocet Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California
Whether you are addicted to Percocet, OxyContin, or any other oxycodone product, we can help you build a firm foundation for ongoing abstinence here at Gratitude Lodge.
We have affordable luxury rehab centers located in Long Beach, Newport Beach, and San Diego. All Gratitude Lodge treatment centers provide you with an inclusive and inspirational environment free of distractions and triggers while you detox from Percocet.
Most people grappling with opioid use disorders (OUD) find that a supervised medical Percocet detox is the safest and most comfortable pathway to early recovery. Take advantage of a clinical detox here at Gratitude Lodge and benefit from medications to mitigate Percocet withdrawal symptoms and cravings. You will also have on-demand emotional and clinical care during the seven to ten days it requires for Percocet detox.
Detox addresses the physical component of opioid addiction and prepares you for ongoing treatment for the psychological side of OUD.
Following detoxification, you can transition directly into a 30-day residential rehab program at one of our pet-friendly treatment centers in Southern California. Or, you can engage with rehab around your personal and professional commitments with our IOP (intensive outpatient program).
Opioid use disorder is a chronic condition, but it responds positively to MAT (medication-assisted treatment) delivered alongside behavioral interventions. Beyond getting treatment for symptoms of Percocet withdrawal, you will have access to these therapies at Gratitude Lodge:
- Group counseling
- Individual counseling
- Family therapy
- Psychotherapies (CBT and DBT)
- Holistic therapies
- 12-step immersion program
Start living opioid-free by reaching out to Gratitude Lodge today at 844-576-0144.
